Gangs in our neighborhoods, an up-close look at the issue of gang violence in St. Louis.

Any way you try to explain it, St. Louis is one of the most violent cities in America. A primary cause for that distinction is gang violence.

In our special three-part series, St. Louis Public Radio reporter Adam Allington speaks with Crips, Bloods, police, lawyers, and the people living in some of St. Louis' most notorious gang neighborhoods.

Reports

North City Gangs Getting Younger, More Violent

Over the past several years overall crime in the city of St. Louis has dropped dramatically—almost 30 percent.

One particular crime, however, is way up: homicides. The city is averaging nearly one murder every two days.

A primary cause of this deadly spike is a proliferation of gangs and gang culture.

In the first of his three-part series on gangs in St. Louis, St. Louis Public Radio's Adam Allington takes us behind the scenes with some of the city's most violent street gangs.

Neighborhoods Suffer in Wake of Increased Gang Activity

St. louis is home to one of America's most active and aggressive gang cultures, helping to make it one of the most violent U.S. cities.

In parts of North St. Louis and North County gangs wage turf wars that, in some cases, run block to block.

The impact this has on people living in these neighborhoods is overwhelming.

In part two of St. Louis Public Radio's three-part series on gang violence, Adam Allington examines the fallout for communities living under the perpetual threat of shootings, robberies, and constant police presence.